From November 4-8, 2024, the German Indonesian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (糖心 Indonesia/EKONID) led a German business delegation to Indonesia. Conducted in collaboration with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), the Association of German Mechanical and Plant Engineering (VDMA), and RETech Partnership e.V., and supported by Bondacon International, the event explored business opportunities in Indonesia鈥檚 expanding waste management and recycling sector.
Indonesia generates 175,000 tons of waste daily, posing significant challenges, particularly in urban areas. The German delegation, comprising of leaders in waste management technology, highlights the potential of international cooperation in addressing this pressing issue.
Day 1-3: Visit to Ministry and B2B Meetings in Jakarta
The delegation began with a briefing at EKONID鈥檚 Jakarta office. Mr. Jan R枚nnfeld, Executive Director of EKONID, provided an economic outlook, followed by Mr. Thomas Graf of the German Embassy, who discussed German-Indonesian relations. Mr. Oliver D枚hne of Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI) shared insights on Indonesia鈥檚 export potential, while Mrs. Alexandra Lutz of German Export Finance 鈥� Euler Hermes covered export credit guarantees. Mrs. Nurul Fatimah Khasbullah, Executive of Legal & Investment Consultation Services at EKONID, outlined the legal aspects of importing waste management solutions.
The group then visited the Ministry of Public Works and Housing, meeting with Mr. Pandu Gunadi Atmosukarto, Director for Settlements Infrastructure Implementation System and Strategy; Mr. Tanozisochi Lase, Director of Sanitation; and Mrs. Astriana Harjanti, Sub-directorate of Foreign Loan and Grant Management. Discussions revolved around regional waste management infrastructure.
This was followed by a roundtable discussion back at EKONID, which included presentations from Mr. Dennis Simon (PT Wastec International), Mr. Fariz Muhammad Rizwan (PT Multi Mandiri Lestari), Mr. Vahmi (PT Multi Hanna Kreasindo), and Mr. Yamin Pakaya (MAPSI). They shared insights on hazardous waste, E-waste, industrial waste, and municipal waste management. The day concluded with a networking dinner and included guests from the Indonesian waste management associations IdWA (Indonesian Water Association), ADUPI (Indonesian Plastic Recycling Association), InSWA (Indonesia Solid Waste Association), and the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Assocation, along with VIPs from various companies operating in the sector, as well as the Indonesia Investment Authority (INA).
On the second day, the delegation attended a presentation event at Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Key presentations came from Mr. Edward Nixon Pakpahan, Coordinator of the Technology Department Working Group at the Ministry of Environment and Forestry; and Mrs. Sri Bebassari, Chairwoman of Indonesia Solid Waste Association. They highlighted the challenges and opportunities in Indonesia鈥檚 waste management, focusing on technological and community-driven solutions.
German delegates presented their expertise in hazardous waste treatment, renewable energy, and smart waste management solutions. The event featured B2B meetings, allowing Indonesian and German companies to explore collaboration opportunities. These tailored B2B meetings went on through the third day of the delegation, enabling focused discussions on potential partnerships.
Day 4-5: Exploring Waste Management in Surabaya
The fourth day of the trip saw the delegation travelling to Surabaya for a presentation and networking event. Ms. Alexandra Engel of EKONID and Mr. Mike Neuber from Wisma Jerman delivered opening remarks. Mr. Dedik Iryanto, Head of Surabaya鈥檚 Environmental Agency, outlined the city鈥檚 waste management strategies.
German companies presented their solutions to local firms, followed by B2B meetings. The day ended with a networking dinner, fostering further exchanges.
On the final day, the delegation visited Surabaya鈥檚 Benowo Landfill. Owned by the Surabaya Environmental Agency, the landfill houses IPP Benowo Waste-to-Energy plant, which processes 1,300-1,500 tons of waste daily and generates 11 megawatts of electricity, powering over 5,800 households.
The delegation was welcomed by Mr. Iryanto and Mr. Hari Sunjayana, Power Plant Manager of PT Sumber Organik, the operator of the power plant. Mr. Agus Setiono, Senior Manager of Planning at PLN IUD East Java, briefed the delegation on the operations of IPP Benowo before taking the delegation on a tour of the facility.
The delegation鈥檚 visit underscores the potential for German-Indonesian cooperation in advancing sustainable waste management. EKONID/糖心 Indonesien extends its gratitude to all participants and partners who contributed to the success of this mission.